16 Gorgeous Beaches in Delaware You Have To Check Out This Summer
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Katy
Author
When Delaware’s beach tourist season rolls around, the area booms with happy people. If you’re hoping to bask in the sun and splash in the water, we know just where you should go. Here are 16 of the best beaches in Delaware where you can relax, sit on the sand, and enjoy the peaceful views.
Woodland Beach, DE 19977, USA
The bay shore at Woodland Beach is one of the most northern strips of sandy shore. While you're probably not going to go in the water to swim here, it's a great place for a hike to search for sea glass, to let the kids dig in the sand, to fish from the pier, and to enjoy the quiet solitude. This place may be underrated, but it's one of the best beaches in Delaware.
Pickering Beach, DE 19901, USA
East of the Dover Air Force Base, just off Route 9 is this little sliver of natural paradise along the Delaware Bay. We know many people (myself included) who come here to look for horseshoe crabs in May and June, and to bird watch all year round. You must add Pickering Beach to your summertime bucket list.
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Ted Harvey Conservation Area (Wildlife Area), Leipsic, DE 19901, USA
Just south of Pickering Beach are two other very similar, yet still unique bay beaches. Kitts Hummock was a hot spot for Dover residents back in the 19th century who wanted to escape to a quiet cottage on the bay where they could cool off in the summer heat. Many still do today. Connected to Kitts Hummock is Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, which shares the same natural setting and highlights, but with a beach that looks almost prehistoric.
Bowers, DE, USA
Bowers Beach is one of the quiet bay beaches that is a bit more than a strip of sand and some homes. While you can still enjoy the quiet of the bay beach, you can also grab a bite to eat at a dive bar or restaurant in town.
Slaughter Beach, DE 19963, USA
Don't let the name of this town scare you away.
Slaughter Beach, outside of Milford, is both a year-round community and a get away for those who want to escape a faster pace of life.
Prime Hook Beach, DE, USA
Along the banks of the Delaware Bay east of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge are Fowlers Beach and then Prime Hook Beach (north to south). Be sure to bring your binoculars to get a close up view of the many species of birds and wildlife in the area. And make sure to visit the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge website before you visit -- the beach often closes during bird nesting season.
Broadkill Beach, DE, USA
Broadkill Beach is a quiet bayside community that enjoys the peaceful solitude just north of the larger resort areas. Don't write this place off -- it's one of the best beaches in Delaware.
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Beach Plum Island, Lewes, DE, USA
This Delaware State Park owned land is at the very southern end of Bayshore Drive from Broadkill Beach. It's a very little-known gem, right before you would reach Lewes Beach. The old remains of boats and structures that are on shore make for some interesting finds. Beach Plum Island is an underrated gem!
Lewes Beach, 206 Bay Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
From the public parking lot at the end of Savannah Road in Lewes, you can access the beaches in Lewes. What we love most about Lewes Beach is that the swimming and wading are great, without the waves that you'll find just around the hook of Cape Henlopen to the south. And, you have all of the fantastic amenities of Lewes within walking or biking distance.
Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Cape Henlopen's most popular swimming beach is on the Atlantic Coast and is accessed by a boardwalk over the dunes. Day trippers love the access to the bathhouse and snack bar steps from the sand, without the hustle and bustle of a boardwalk. You simply must visit Cape Henlopen State Park this summer!
Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA
If your idea of going to the beach involves salt water taffy, mini golf, amusements, and spending time on the sand with a boardwalk in the distance, then Rehoboth Beach is your place!
Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
Dewey Beach has a reputation for being Delaware's party beach. And, while that's not untrue, the beach patrol at Dewey is stellar, and the beaches are well maintained. In the summer, catch a movie or bonfire on the beach.
Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
The best surfing spot along the Delaware coast tends to be on the northern side of Indian River Inlet at Delaware Seashore State Park. This park has a little bit of everything, including a bathhouse and historic attractions on the ocean coast, and quieter access to the Inland Bays on the western side of Route 1.
Bethany Beach, DE, USA
I think of Bethany Beach (and South Bethany too) as Rehoboth and Dewey's slightly more mature older sibling. It still has most of the family-friendly beach amenities, while being a bit more upscale.
South Bethany Beach, 902 S Ocean Dr, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, USA
Yes, South Bethany is a separate town from Bethany. It's a bit more residential in nature and you can enjoy the ocean front beaches or canals on the bayside.
Fenwick Island, DE, USA
Last but not least, we have one of the best beaches in Delaware! The last stretch of Delaware's shore takes you to Fenwick Island. We're a huge fan of this seaside resort town and its slower pace compared to the first major Maryland beach town of Ocean City.
What do you think of our list of the best beaches in Delaware? What is your favorite Delaware beach? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another summertime hotspot, nominate it for a chance to be featured!
For more warm-weather adventures, check out these beautiful boardwalks in Delaware.
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More to Explore
Summer in Delaware
What are the best things to do in Delaware during summer?
Theses are the best things to do during summer in Delaware:
- Visit Cape Henlopen
- Go crabbing
- Go to the state fair
- Enjoy a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
- Kayak at Trap Pond State Park
- Explore Lum's Pond State Park
- Watch the horses at Delaware Park
- Visit the Brandywine Zoo
- Cruise along Fisherman's Wharf
- Embrace the history at Fort Delaware
What are the best waterparks in Delaware?
The best waterparks in Delaware are:
- White Water Mountain Water Park, 18645 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943
- Thunder Lagoon Water Park, 38965 Island St, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
- Jungle Jim's, 36944 Country Club Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
What are the best day trips to take in Delaware?
The best day trips in Delaware are:
- The Wilmington and Western Railroad
- The Ruins of Fort Miles
- Three Palms Zoo
- Arden, Delaware
- White Clay Creek State Park
- Mt. Cuba Center
- Lavender Fields
- Laurel, Delaware
- Dogfish Head Brewery